FGCU announces new class

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s soccer program and head coach Jim Blankenship has announced the signing of five National Letters of Intent for the FGCU class of 2014. The talented 2014 recruiting class is comprised of players from Florida, Indiana, and Washington state.

The homegrown talent features Lindsey DiLeonardo, Jencilia Villaverde, and Brooke Williams. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., the Eagles welcome Sarah Moyer. From Washington, the “Evergreen State,” the Blue and Green welcomes Gabrielle Morgan.

“We are excited about the gifted group of young ladies coming in the fall,” said Coach Blankenship. “These will be added to an already talented team. They will add a great deal of athleticism and I think they will come in and play right away. Our expectations for them are to not only excel on the field but in the classroom.”

With the new additions and ten returning starters from the 2009 season, FGCU will look to add to last year’s success and make a run for the Atlantic Sun Conference Champion title.

Meet the Class of 2014
Brittany Burt 5-2
St. Petersburg, Fla. (Strictly Soccer/University of South Florida/Northeast HS) – Forward
Brittany arrived on campus in January enrolling at FGCU for the spring semester. She has already started to make an impact, scoring the goal winner in the opening spring game against Canada (University of Victoria). She was a three-year state team ODP player and Team captain for her Strictly Soccer Club Team. She was also a member of the National Honor society, Student government, and the Spanish club in high school.

Lindsey DiLeonardo 5-3
Largo, Fla. (Real Salt Lake FL/Osceola HS) - Defender
Lindsey was a member of the Clearwater Chargers 2005 and 2006 state championship teams. Now playing with RSL, she was a member of the 2008 Super Y Olympic Development Southern Regional Championship team, which was also the regional finalist the following year. Lindsey was named MVP at Osceola HS in 2008. Not only did she earn accolades for soccer but academically as well. She attended the early college program as a junior and senior and was named to the St. Petersburg College President’s Honors list three consecutive semesters.

Gabrielle Morgan 5-7
Woodinville, Wash. (Eastside FC/Woodinville HS) - Defender/Midfielder
Gabrielle was a member of the U14 State Championship team, as well as the U16 Division I Champions and State finalists. Her U17 team earned the title of Division I Champions and State finalists, while also earning other champion titles from the Nike Cup Crossfire Challenge, Pleasanton Rage Division I, and Surf Cup and went undefeated in the prestigious CASL College Showcase. Gabrielle’s success carried over into high school soccer, where her team made it to the state finals two years in a row; she also earned recognition as the Coach’s Award recipient and first and second team titles.

Sarah Moyer 5-7
Indianapolis, Ind. (Real Salt Lake FL/Sickles HS) - Defender/Midfielder
Sarah is familiar with success. Starting in 2000, she was a member of the U-8 National Indoor Champion team. She was also a member of the 92 ODP team in 2004. Her team has earned semi-finalist, finalist and champion titles in numerous tournaments, including: Adidas Columbus Day Classic, Orange Classic, CDL League, Disney Soccer Showcase, Norcross Nike Cup, Raleigh Shootout and Super Y North American Championships. Her most recent success was with her RSL team that was 2007 State finalist and 2008 State Champions. The following year, her team returned as the 2009 State Champions while also earning recognition as Southern Regional Quarter Finalists. At Sickles High School, she earned the personal honors of Freshman of the Year, Defender of the Year and MVP. She took care of business on the soccer field and in the classroom, earning Principal’s Honor Roll and 2006 Hillsborough County Scholar Athlete. Sarah’s other extracurricular activities included President of FFA, member of the Key Club and Ophelia Club.

Jencilia Villaverde
5-0 Palm Bay, Fla. (Florida Rush/Bayside HS) - Forward
Jencilia, also known as Jenci, has received numerous accolades for her soccer successes. Throughout her high school career, she has earned All County player. She was selected as Athlete of the Week. Jenci earned the title MVP of the team two years in a row. One of her most recent recognitions came with her inclusion into the Top Ten Athletes of the Year for Brevard County. She will be leaving high school with a record of most goals ever scored over four years. Academically, Jenci has worked hard to earn honor roll and the Presidential Academic Award. Outside of high school, not only does she make an impact on her club team, but she has been involved with ODP since 2005. She was a starter on one of the best State ODP teams in the nation, only losing in the finals.

Brooke Williams
5-5 Brandon, Fla. (Real Salt Lake FL /Armwood HS) - Defender/Midfielder
Brooke has been part of Real Salt Lake team that has been State Cup finalists three years in a row; two of which, they earned State Champion titles. Not only has she found success with her club team, but she has been decorated with awards from her high school. As a freshman, she earned the Rookie of the Year recognition. Throughout her remaining time with the high school soccer team, she was honored as team MVP. Brooke excels on the field and classroom, where she was ranked 21st in her graduating class. She is also a member of the National Honors Society.